I have a faint memory of my eldest son experiencing a touch of jaundice when he was born. I distinctly recall the heel prick blood test that had both him and me in tears, but since he didn’t need any treatment, the jaundice itself didn’t seem like a significant detail to remember. My second child faced numerous feeding challenges but never had any jaundice at all.
When my third baby began to appear slightly yellow at just four days old, I thought I recognized the signs. When she became unusually sleepy and struggled to nurse overnight, I didn’t freak out. I simply called her pediatrician and took her in for a blood test the next morning. The nurse pricked her heel, and we were sent home with the promise of a call regarding the results. Our doctor even provided us with a special blue light to use at home, just in case things escalated.
I didn’t let myself worry; I assumed her jaundice would resolve itself like my first child’s did. But when the doctor called about an hour later, I was taken aback. We were instructed to take our baby to the children’s hospital immediately for treatment. Shock and fear surged through me. Was she seriously ill? Would she be okay?
Our pediatrician reassured me, encouraging me to stay calm, as the hospital staff would explain everything we needed to know. We hurried home to pack a bag, dropped off our older boys with my sister, and rushed to the hospital to start bili light therapy for the jaundice.
As it turned out, the entire ordeal was… pretty manageable. The nurse pricked her heel again (the absolute worst part!), placed a soft blindfold over her eyes, and laid her in a little bed under three bili lights. The doctor informed us that most babies only require 24 hours of light therapy, and she would likely return home the next day without any ongoing issues. That’s precisely how it unfolded.
Here’s what I wish I had known before spiralling into panic:
- Jaundice is incredibly common, especially for babies born slightly early like mine. It’s actually a symptom rather than an illness, referring to the yellowish hue of the skin or eyes when a baby’s bilirubin levels are elevated. Bilirubin is a pigment from “spent” red blood cells. Sometimes it builds up as a newborn transitions from womb to world, as their liver can’t filter it quickly enough.
- Dehydration may worsen jaundice. Just a few inadequate feedings can lead to dehydration in a newborn. I’m not saying this to alarm you but to highlight something important to keep in mind. It’s not your fault—don’t blame yourself. Our doctor explained that just a few milliliters less during feedings can exacerbate rising bilirubin levels.
- Adequate feeding is crucial for jaundice management. While bili lights help break down bilirubin so it can be expelled, the baby’s body needs to pee and poop to eliminate it. This is why feeding is so essential. I worried that breastfeeding would be disrupted, but it turned out fine. I supplemented with formula to keep her hydrated, and once she perked up, she returned to breastfeeding without any issues.
- Most babies enjoy the lights. That’s fortunate since they need to stay under them when not feeding. Sometimes they even nurse under the lights! Our little one had her first feeding while basking in the blue glow, and we could take her out for short snuggles every couple of hours. Surprisingly, she didn’t cry at all. I, on the other hand, shed a few tears over having to put her down after just a short cuddle. The fact that she was calm made it a bit easier.
- Expect a warm environment. Any room where a newborn will be undressed for 24 hours needs to be warm. I didn’t realize this and came prepared for winter, which made for a long night. Our baby was still learning to regulate her temperature, so the room was set at 82 to 85 degrees—definitely not the time for fleece-lined leggings.
- Prepare for more heel pricks. This part is tough, and neither you nor your baby will enjoy it. They need multiple drops of blood for testing, which can be challenging. If you need a moment to breathe outside the room, don’t hesitate—it’s completely understandable. The nurse has it under control, and you can comfort your baby afterward.
It’s common for newborns to require a little assistance as they adjust to life outside the womb. As long as you’re monitoring with your pediatrician, neonatal jaundice is unlikely to lead to future complications. If you find yourself heading to the hospital for blue light therapy, remember to charge your devices, grab a comfy pillow, dress lightly for warmth, and try not to worry. Most likely, everything will turn out just fine. For more insights, check out this post on Home Insemination Kit.
Summary:
Jaundice in newborns is generally common and manageable, often requiring light therapy. Adequate feeding is essential, as it helps the body eliminate bilirubin. Most babies adapt well to treatment, and parents should prepare for a warm environment and multiple heel pricks during testing.
Keyphrase: newborn jaundice treatment
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